Buying a new (gaming) computer: help!

[Agamemnon]

Hey gang,

I'd like to buy a new desktop computer to go w/ my new tv (thought I'd use it as a monitor). Basically I just want to use this machine to play new games. I have a laptop already that I use for the net and media, so all this machine needs to do is play whatever new games are out.

Specifically, I'd like to play that new Morrowind: Oblivion game, as well as Call of Duty 2 (if its out on PC).

SO, what 'minimum' things do I need when it comes to processor/chip speed, and most importantly, what type of video card should I get?

My budget is around $800 (remember, no monitor needed!).

Fly nerds! Tell me what the best system is to buy!

[Frank the Tank]

http://www.sharkyextreme.com/guides/index.php

I found this site very helpful. I had a PC built for use at home because my wife wanted a PC instead of another Mac (I have a work computer at home). So basically I know jack about PC's and was able to navigate through the process on this site and had a really kick ass computer built. Oh ya, Windows sucks btw.

[Igottago]

If I were you I'd get an Xbox 360 (or PS3)...if all you want to do is play games, and I'm assuming you have an HDTV of some sort..why bother with a computer? Spend $500 on a console and enjoy. I'm pretty sure both those games are on the 360.

[ken0042]

Originally Posted by Agamemnon

... to go w/ my new tv (thought I'd use it as a monitor).

Quick question- what kind of TV is it? Have you hooked your laptop up to it to see how it looks as a monitor?

I ask because many TV's with a PC input look like carp and it's best to try before you buy.

[photon]

I agree I'd suggest going with the 360 before the computer. Both those games are out for the 360.

But if you get a computer get an Athlon 64 3200+ or so for the processor and the video card you could probably get away with a ATI X800 class card or an Nvidia 6800 class card since you'll only ever be playing at your TV's resolution.

(I'm assuming you have an HDTV so that would be 1280 x 768 or 1366 x 768 or thereabouts)

[cSpooge]

Originally Posted by photon

I agree I'd suggest going with the 360 before the computer. Both those games are out for the 360.

But if you get a computer get an Athlon 64 3200+ or so for the processor and the video card you could probably get away with a ATI X800 class card or an Nvidia 6800 class card since you'll only ever be playing at your TV's resolution.

(I'm assuming you have an HDTV so that would be 1280 x 768 or 1366 x 768 or thereabouts)

none of those cards will work for HD. You need to get an HD ready card and have fun with that becuase they are expensive. Personally i don't think 800 will cut it.

To play most games at a decent rate your gonna need minimum 1GB of RAM (preferable 2GB to run well) 3200+ and a 6600GTX to work on a computer monitor.

[Bobblehead]

To echo what others say, if it is strictly for gaming go for a console.

cSpooge - sure those cards will put out HD. My X800Pro runs my monitor(2405PFW) at 1920x1200 without any problem at all. I think Photon's spec is dead on. Could you be thinking of HD Capture cards?

[cSpooge]

Originally Posted by Bobblehead

To echo what others say, if it is strictly for gaming go for a console.

cSpooge - sure those cards will put out HD. My X800Pro runs my monitor(2405PFW) at 1920x1200 without any problem at all. I think Photon's spec is dead on. Could you be thinking of HD Capture cards?

you are correct sir... don't mind me i've been staring at an Atari ST since 8:30 this morning.

[Bobblehead]

Originally Posted by cSpooge

you are correct sir... don't mind me i've been staring at an Atari ST since 8:30 this morning.

Atari ST!?!

There has to be a story behind working on a 20 year old computer.

I think my old C128 is still at my parent's place, along with the floppy drive and monitor.

[photon]

*wonders if he still has his Atari 600XL somewhere*

What *can* be really challenging though apparently is getting the card to run at the native 1366 x 768 of some HD screens (like my LCD). I've never tried it, but apparently it's a pain.

The 360 version of the game also has HDR (High Dynamic Range) output (makes things much more realistic IMO) whereas it's disabled totally on the PC version. Hopefully they have a patch at some point.

[cSpooge]

Originally Posted by Bobblehead

Atari ST!?!

There has to be a story behind working on a 20 year old computer.

I think my old C128 is still at my parent's place, along with the floppy drive and monitor.

its for my hardware programming class at MRC (COMP 357) i have to write a keyboard and a mouse driver.... its not fun.

[Agamemnon]

But I want to play Civ 4 and Age of Empires 3 too!!!!

I don't know... I generally prefer the interface of a computer (mouse/keyboard) over controllers. There also seems to be a bit of a wider selection of the games I like (strategy-type) on PC than XBOX.

[Aegypticus]

Sign up for an accout at www.hardforum.com
Make a very specific topic in the general hardware section about what you want your computer to do and your budget, what your TV is, etc.
You will get some very, very good recommendations from there. It's a great site.

Make sure to mention that you are working in Canadian funds.

[LockedOut]

For a video card I'd recommend the Nvidia 7600GT at your budget. $250 at Memory Express and at least twice as fast than a 6600GT which is getting outdated IMO by games like COD2 and Morrowind Oblivian. The eVGA one at ME has HDTV output. You can also do SLI with this card in the future if you wish (2 cards running in parallel for more performance).

[photon]

And if you have a bit more, the 7900GT is $368 from NCIX (though it's backordered now), and is a kick butt card, amazing performance for the price.

Though that would kind of bust your budget

[Jagger]

I'm looking at upgrading my video card for monitor play only, none of this high fangled HD stuff! Currently I have a Geforce 6200 w/turbocache 256mb. Any recommendations on a significant upgrade, photon, lockedout, anyone?

[evman150]

I need a new computer gents. My budget is also in the 800-900 range (without counting the tax). Is dual core really what I want? Is it sort of the next best thing? I need a dedicated video card too because I do play some games, though they'll most likely be of the Civ type as opposed to UT or something.

So basically I need something with 1 gig ram, 200+ hd, video card, sound card, dvd etc.

And I don't need a monitor, printer, or anything. Just the computer.

I am a cheap *******!!

[I-Hate-Hulse]

If you can, hold out until Windows Vista makes an appearance. I think the hardware will be cheaper due to the requirements for that OS beast, plus you'll get it with your new machine.

That is, if MSFT can hit a release date....

[cSpooge]

Originally Posted by evman150

I need a new computer gents. My budget is also in the 800-900 range (without counting the tax). Is dual core really what I want? Is it sort of the next best thing? I need a dedicated video card too because I do play some games, though they'll most likely be of the Civ type as opposed to UT or something.

So basically I need something with 1 gig ram, 200+ hd, video card, sound card, dvd etc.

And I don't need a monitor, printer, or anything. Just the computer.

I am a cheap *******!!

considering the cheapest x2 (dual core proc) is 350 bucks i doubt you'd be able to get one for 800 bucks.... if you're going to spend 800 bucks on a comp just get an AMD 64 bit proc. Nothing uses dual core yet so i would worry about it until vista comes out (January 2007)

[Bobblehead]

Check out Memory Express and use the "Online Quote" section. Then you can play with the "If I go with a smaller HD I can get more memory" type options.

Personally, I'd stick with AMD processors. Nothing really uses dual processors, but it is coming. If you want performance today - get a higher clocked single core. If you want to be a bit more flexible for future stuff (which may be a couple years off), go dual core.